Patents by Inventor Frank Dimroth
Frank Dimroth has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Publication number: 20230387339Abstract: A multiple solar cell having at least two partial cells, at least being formed from a direct semiconductor, having an upper partial cell facing the light and a lower partial cell facing away from the light, an upper bandgap of the upper partial cell being greater than a lower bandgap of the lower partial cell, and an intermediate layer arranged on the lower partial cell side facing away from the light. An optical element including a lower mirror element is arranged on the intermediate layer side facing away from the light, and has a partial element having structural elements arranged in a lateral direction on the intermediate layer side facing away from the light. The structural elements have a mean spacing less than or equal to 1.3 times a spacing value that results from a ratio of a wavelength of the lower bandgap to a refractive index of the lower partial cell or the lower mirror element has a roughness having a root-mean-square value of less than 50 nm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2021Publication date: November 30, 2023Applicants: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Albert-Ludwigs-Universität FreiburgInventors: David LACKNER, Oliver HÖHN, Benedikt BLÄSI, Jens OHLMANN, Frank DIMROTH, Jonas SCHÖN
-
Patent number: 11430910Abstract: An engineered substrate comprises: a seed layer made of a first semiconductor material for growth of a solar cell; a support substrate comprising a base and a surface layer epitaxially grown on a first side of the base, the base and the surface layer made of a second semiconductor material; a direct bonding interface between the seed layer and the surface layer; wherein a doping concentration of the surface layer is higher than a predetermined value such that the electrical resistivity at the direct bonding interface is below 10 mOhm·cm2, preferably below 1 mOhm·cm2; and wherein a doping concentration of the base as well as the thickness of the engineered substrate are such that absorption of the engineered substrate is less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, and total area-normalized series resistance of the engineered substrate is less than 10 mOhm·cm2, preferably less than 1 mOhm·cm2.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: SoitecInventors: Cécile Aulnette, Frank Dimroth, Eduard Oliva
-
Patent number: 11329182Abstract: A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2021Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbHInventors: Matthias Meusel, Gerhard Strobl, Frank Dimroth, Andreas Bett
-
Publication number: 20210210649Abstract: A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GMBHInventors: Matthias MEUSEL, Gerhard STROBL, Frank DIMROTH, Andreas BETT
-
Patent number: 10985288Abstract: A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbHInventors: Matthias Meusel, Gerhard Strobl, Frank Dimroth, Andreas Bett
-
Patent number: 10833215Abstract: A multi-junction solar cell having a first subcell made of an InGaAs compound. The first subcell has a first lattice constant and A second subcell has a second lattice constant. The first lattice constant is at least 0.008 ? greater than the second lattice constant. A metamorphic buffer is formed between the first subcell and the second subcell and has a sequence of at least three layers and a lattice constant increases from layer to layer in the sequence in the direction toward the first subcell. The lattice constants of the layers of the buffer are greater than the second lattice constant, and a layer of the metamorphic buffer has a third lattice constant that is greater than the first lattice constant. A number N of compensation layers for compensating the residual stress of the metamorphic buffer is formed between the metamorphic buffer and the first subcell.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Azur Space Solar Power GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Guter, Matthias Meusel, Frank Dimroth, Lars Ebel, Rene Kellenbenz
-
Publication number: 20190378948Abstract: Multijunction solar cells are provided having at least four p-n junctions with a rear-side germanium subcell, orientated away from the light, and at least three subcells made of III-V compound semiconductors, disposed above the germanium subcell, the multijunction solar cells having at least one metamorphic buffer layer and at least one wafer-bonded compound and all the layers, which are disposed above the germanium subcell, comprising respectively a light-absorbing emitter- and/or base layer which comprise at least 20% indium, relative to the sum of all the atoms of group III. Furthermore, methods of using of these multijunction solar cells in space are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2017Publication date: December 12, 2019Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Frank DIMROTH, David LACKNER
-
Patent number: 10490683Abstract: A stacked integrated multi-junction solar cell, having a first subcell, whereby the first subcell has a layer of an InGaP compound with a first lattice constant and a first band gap energy, and the thickness of the layer is greater than 100 nm and the layer is formed as part of an emitter and/or as part of the base and/or as part of the space charge region lying between the emitter and base, and a second subcell with a second lattice constant and a second band gap energy, and a third subcell with a third lattice constant and a third band gap energy, and a fourth subcell with a fourth lattice constant and a fourth band gap energy, and a region with a wafer bond is formed between two subcells.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Azur Space Solar Power GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Guter, Gerhard Strobl, Frank Dimroth, Alexandre William Walker
-
Publication number: 20190355867Abstract: An engineered substrate comprises: a seed layer made of a first semiconductor material for growth of a solar cell; a support substrate comprising a base and a surface layer epitaxially grown on a first side of the base, the base and the surface layer made of a second semiconductor material; a direct bonding interface between the seed layer and the surface layer; wherein a doping concentration of the surface layer is higher than a predetermined value such that the electrical resistivity at the direct bonding interface is below 10 mOhm·cm2, preferably below 1 mOhm·cm2; and wherein a doping concentration of the base as well as the thickness of the engineered substrate are such that absorption of the engineered substrate is less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, and total area-normalized series resistance of the engineered substrate is less than 10 mOhm·cm2, preferably less than 1 mOhm·cm2.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2017Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Cécile Aulnette, Frank Dimroth, Eduard Oliva
-
Patent number: 10361326Abstract: This disclosure relates to a solar cell assembly structure for supporting a concentrator photovoltaic cell comprising a semiconducting structure and a diode, wherein the semiconducting structure comprises a first semiconducting region at least a part of which for placing the concentrator photovoltaic cell structure, and a second semiconducting region for realizing the diode within or on the second semiconducting region and wherein the part of the first semiconducting region for placing the concentrator photovoltaic cell structure and the second semiconducting region are not vertically overlapping.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: SoitecInventors: Cécile Aulnette, Rainer Krause, Frank Dimroth, Eric Guiot, Eric Mazaleyrat, Charlotte Drazek
-
Patent number: 9954139Abstract: This disclosure is related to a manufacturing method for a plurality of photovoltaic cells comprising the steps of: obtaining a plurality of photovoltaic cells placed at a first distance from each other; attaching a stretching material to the plurality of photovoltaic cells; and stretching the stretching material such that the plurality of photovoltaic cells result at a second distance from each other, wherein the second distance is greater that the first distance.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: SOITECInventors: Rainer Krause, Cecile Aulnette, Eric Mazaleyrat, Frank Dimroth, Eric Guiot
-
Publication number: 20180062018Abstract: A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GMBHInventors: Matthias MEUSEL, Gerhard STROBL, Frank DIMROTH, Andreas BETT
-
Patent number: 9799789Abstract: A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Azur Space Solar Power GmbHInventors: Matthias Meusel, Gerhard Strobl, Frank Dimroth, Andreas Bett
-
Patent number: 9748426Abstract: A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2016Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Azur Space Solar Power GmbHInventors: Matthias Meusel, Gerhard Strobl, Frank Dimroth, Andreas Bett
-
Patent number: 9741888Abstract: A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Azur Space Solar Power GmbHInventors: Matthias Meusel, Gerhard Strobl, Frank Dimroth, Andreas Bett
-
Publication number: 20160380142Abstract: A multi-junction solar cell having a first subcell made of an InGaAs compound. The first subcell has a first lattice constant and A second subcell has a second lattice constant. The first lattice constant is at least 0.008 ? greater than the second lattice constant. A metamorphic buffer is formed between the first subcell and the second subcell and has a sequence of at least three layers and a lattice constant increases from layer to layer in the sequence in the direction toward the first subcell. The lattice constants of the layers of the buffer are greater than the second lattice constant, and a layer of the metamorphic buffer has a third lattice constant that is greater than the first lattice constant. A number N of compensation layers for compensating the residual stress of the metamorphic buffer is formed between the metamorphic buffer and the first subcell.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbHInventors: Wolfgang GUTER, Matthias MEUSEL, Frank DIMROTH, Lars EBEL, Rene KELLENBENZ
-
Patent number: 9502598Abstract: A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Azur Space Solar Power GmbHInventors: Matthias Meusel, Gerhard Strobl, Frank Dimroth, Andreas Bett
-
Publication number: 20160211401Abstract: A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Applicant: Azur Space Solar Power GmbHInventors: Matthias Meusel, Gerhard Strobl, Frank Dimroth, Andreas Bett
-
Publication number: 20160211400Abstract: A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Applicant: Azur Space Solar Power GmbHInventors: Matthias MEUSEL, Gerhard STROBL, Frank DIMROTH, Andreas BETT
-
Publication number: 20160133770Abstract: A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2016Publication date: May 12, 2016Applicant: Azur Space Solar Power GmbHInventors: Matthias MEUSEL, Gerhard STROBL, Frank DIMROTH, Andreas BETT